The Prophetic Mission of Muhammad (ﷺ)

In the era of darkness, Allah (SWT) sent His final Prophet and Messenger, Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ), to guide humanity back to the path of monotheism and morality. Born about fourteen centuries ago, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was tasked with restoring the sanctity of the Ka’ba and reestablishing the worship of Allah (SWT) alone. His primary mission was to: 

• eradicate idolatry, 
• reform societal norms, and 
• bring about a spiritual and moral revolution. 

His arrival marked the dawn of light in the Arabian Peninsula, transforming an era of ignorance into a legacy of faith, justice, and enlightenment.

Through his divine mission, 

• he replaced ignorance with guidance and reshaped the course of history, 
• he firmly established Islam as a beacon of truth and justice. 

Regarding the mission of Prophet Mohammad (ﷺ) Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Qur’an:

“It is He who has sent among the unlettered people a Messenger from themselves, who recites to them His verses, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom.” Before, they were in gross error. This messenger has been sent for other people who have not yet joined them… (Surah Al–Jumu’ah, 62:2–3)

“We have sent to you a Messenger from among yourselves, who will recite to you My verses and purify you; He will teach you the Book and wisdom and teach you what you did not know.” (Surah Baqarah, 2:151)

“… A Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad), in order that you may lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light – by the leave of their Lord – to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:1)

His Call toward Tawheed (Monotheism)

The religion of Islam, as preached by Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ), centers around the concept of pure monotheism (Tawheed). It rejected the superstitions and idolatry prevalent at the time and liberated mankind from the bondage of worshiping multiple gods. Islam emphasizes that humans, as the best creation, should bow to none but their Creator Allah (SWT).

Monotheism forms the core of Islamic values, shaping its life and culture through obedience to Allah (SWT) alone. The message of monotheism:

• eradicated artificial social hierarchies, barriers and discrimination, 

• offered every individual the opportunity to achieve self–respect and dignity through righteousness and piety, 

• dismantled the degrading structures of society, and 

• empowered humanity to rise in glory.

In the seventh century, this unifying principle led to the rapid growth of Islamic civilization and culture across the globe. Despite the opposition from materialistic forces and numerous adversities, the power of monotheism spread, fueled by its inherent spiritual strength. Allah (SWT) commands in the Qur’an: 

“Say (O Prophet): I am only a human being like you. It has been revealed to me that your God is One God. So whoever desires the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and not associate anyone with the worship of his Lord.” (Surah Al—Kahaf, 18:110) 

The Eternal Truth of Tawheed

Islam is an innate, natural, and eternally true religion for humanity. Its roots are ancient, deeply tied to the beginning of Islamic civilization in the holy city of Makkah. This civilization’s connection to the Prophets and Messengers, particularly Prophet Ibrahim (AS), known as the father of the Muslim Ummah, stretches back about four thousand years.

This eternal truth of Tawheed was consistently preached by every Prophet and Messenger sent by Allah (SWT). To support their missions, Allah (SWT) revealed divine scriptures to some of them, all carrying the same central message of monotheism. Belief in these scriptures is an essential tenet of Islamic faith. Allah (SWT) emphasizes this continuity in the Qur’an: 

“Say: We believe in Allah, and that which was revealed to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that which was given to Jesus, Moses, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we are Muslims (in submission).” (Surah Baqarah: 2:136)

• The Essence of Tawheed: The foundation of Islam is “Tawheed”—the monotheism of Allah (SWT), the Lord of the Universe. From the first man and Prophet, Hazrat Adam (AS), to the final Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ), the essence of the message has been the same: the declaration of “Lā ilāha illallāh”—there is no god but Allah. He alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, without partner or equal, the sovereign ruler of all existence. He alone is deserving of worship and praise.
• Tawheed – The Central Theme of Islam: When humanity abandoned the worship of Allah (SWT) and turned to false beliefs, superstitions, and idolatry, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) called them back to the path of oneness and sovereignty of Allah (SWT). 

Surah Ikhlas of the Holy Qur’an, gives a basic essense of Tawheed:

“Say (O Prophet): He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, entirely Independent (free of all needs); He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none comparable to Him.” (Surah Ikhlas,  112:1 – 4)

The core message of Tawheed is that:

1. There is no god but Allah (SWT).
2. He is One, Unique, Incomparable, and Sovereign over life and death.
3. He is the Creator and Ruler of the entire universe, the Sustainer of all existence.
4. He alone is deserving of worship, reliance, gratitude, and obedience.

There are a large number of verses in the Holy Qur’an including Ayatul Kursi, in which Allah (SWT) has given His introduction as the Supreme Being as cited below:

“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of (all) existence. Neither sleep overtakes Him nor drowsiness. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most–High, the Most–Great.” (Ayatul Kursi — 2:255) 

[Also see Surah Al—Maidah: 5:120, Surah Al—Kahaf: 18:110, Surah As—Saffat: 37:4–5, Surah Al–Hashr: 59:22–24]

The Conflict Between Tawheed and Shirk

This ideological conflict between Tawheed (truth) and Shirk (falsehood) created a deep rift in Makkah society. The Quraysh clung stubbornly to the pagan traditions of their forefathers and resisted Islam. They feared that monotheism would destroy their social prestige and economic benefits tied to the idols housed in the Ka’ba. Allah (SWT) says:

“Say (O Prophet), I have been prohibited from worshiping those you invoke besides Allah, now that clear revelations have come to me from my Lord; and I was commanded to submit to the Lord of the Worlds.” (Surah Al–Mu’min, 40:66) 

So the teachings of Islam stood in direct opposition to Shirk (paganism) as mentioned below:

• Associating partners with Allah (SWT) by worshiping idols and other created beings.

• Revering animals, objects, and celestial bodies as controllers of fate.

Islam rejected these practices and firmly upheld the oneness of Allah (SWT):

• Allah (SWT) is independent, while all creation depends on Him.

• He is the sole owner of all that exists in the heavens and the earth.

• All worship, gratitude, and reliance belong exclusively to Him.

The following verses of the Holy Qur’an more clearly explained the fact:

“And (O Prophet) say: “Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish.” (Surah Bani Israel, 17:81)  

“There is for you an excellent example (to follow) in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people: ‘We are free from you and of whatever you worship besides Allah. we have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for ever, – unless you believe in Allah and Him alone’….” (Surah Al–Mumtahina, 60:4)

Surah Al–Kafirun (109 Surah of the Holy Qur’an) serves as a powerful declaration of Islamic monotheism (Tawḥīd) and a clear rejection of polytheism (shirk). It firmly differentiates between the worship of one true God, as upheld in Islam, and the worship of multiple deities, as practiced by the polytheists of Makkah. This Surah closes with the emphatic verse:

The final verse of this Surah signifies a complete and uncompromising distinction between the two belief systems. It affirms that Islam does not compromise on matters of faith and that there can be no reconciliation or blending between monotheism and polytheism. This Surah as a whole is a declaration of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) unwavering commitment to the worship of Allah alone, rejecting all forms of idolatry.

Preaching of Islam in the Early Stage

During the first three years of his prophethood, the preaching of Islam was limited to private propagation. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) privately preached the message of Allah (SWT) to his close relatives and friends. The guiding verse for this phase was:

“Warn your nearest kinsfolk (about the Hereafter). And be kind to those who follow you who believe. If they disobey you, say, ‘I am free from what you do.’ And put your trust in the Almighty, the Merciful, who sees you when you stand up for prayer and stands up with those who pray. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Surah Ash–Shu’araa, 26:214–220)

• Early Converts to Islam: The first individuals to accept Islam were

1. 1. Hazrat Khadija (RA): The Prophet’s wife and the first believer.
   2. Hazrat Ali ibn Talib (RA): His young cousin raised in the Prophet’s household.
   3. Hazrat Zayd ibn Harithah (RA): The Prophet’s foster son.
   4. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA): His close friend and trusted companion.

Others who embraced Islam during this phase included:

1. 1. Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
   2. Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA)
   3. Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA)
   4. Hazrat Sa’ad ibn Abu Waqqas (RA)
   5. Hazrat Zubair ibn Awam (RA)

In addition, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) played a significant role in spreading the message, influencing people outside Makkah to accept Islam.

• Early Prayer Practices: During this phase, the command to perform prayer as a sign of obedience to Allah (SWT) was introduced. These prayers involved bowing, prostration, and recitation, serving as a precursor to the five daily prayers later mandated during the Miraj.

Public Propagation of Islam

After three years of secret preaching, Allah commanded the Prophet (ﷺ) to openly invite people to Islam:

فَاصْدَعْ بِمَا تُؤْمَرُ وَاَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ۝ اِنَّا كَفَيْنٰكَ الْمُسْتَهْزِءِيْنَ۝

“So, proclaim openly what you are commanded and do not turn your back on the idolaters. Sufficient for you are I against the mockers.” (Surah Al–Hijr, 15:94–95)

First Public Invitation

The Prophet (ﷺ) invited his relatives from the Banu Hashim tribe to a feast at his home. After the meal, he explained his prophethood and called them to Islam.

• Most of his relatives, including his uncle Abu Lahab, rejected the message with hostility.

• However, the young Hazrat Ali (RA) boldly declared his support saying:

“O Messenger of Allah! I am your helper, the friend of your friends, and the enemy of your enemies.” 

His declaration was met with ridicule, and the gathering dispersed. 

Second Public Proclamation from Mount Safa

After his initial private call to his relatives, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) made a public declaration of Islam at Mount Safa. This location was customarily used for making urgent announcements in Makkah.

• The Public Address: The Prophet called the Quraysh and asked: 

“O Quraysh! If I tell you that a fierce enemy cavalry is hiding on the opposite side of this mountain to attack Makkah, will you believe it?”

The people unanimously responded: 

“Of course, we will believe it – because we know you are truthful and trustworthy.”

Reassured by their acknowledgment, he continued: 

“O my friends! A greater calamity awaits us in the Hereafter. Allah has commanded me to warn my close ones about the terrible punishment of the Hereafter. Allah is One and Unique – there is no god but He. I am His servant and Messenger. If you believe this, you will enter Paradise. Otherwise, I will be of no help to you as a relative in this world or the Hereafter.”

• The Reaction

The crowd murmured and dispersed without responding positively. Abu Lahab, one of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) uncles and staunch opponents, reacted angrily. He threw a stone at the Prophet and shouted: “Have you called us to say this? May you perish!”

Soon after, Surah Lahab was revealed, condemning Abu Lahab and his wife:

“Perish the hands of Abu Lahab and perish he himself. His wealth and what he earned will not avail him. He will soon enter the blazing Fire, and his wife, the fuel–bearer, with a rope of date-palm fiber around her neck.” (Surah Lahab, 111:1–5)

The Great Responsibility of Prophethood

The life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), radiant with integrity and virtue before prophethood, became even more luminous after receiving the divine mission. The monumental responsibility of reforming mankind and guiding it toward the truth was placed upon his shoulders. In the Holy Qur’an Allah (SWT) explains:  

“It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered an apostle from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom,- although they had been, before, in manifest error; – As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: And He is exalted in Might, Wise. Such is the Bounty of Allah, which He bestows on whom He will: and Allah is the Lord of the highest bounty.” (Surah Al–Jumu’ah, 62:2—4)

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘Come, I will rehearse what Allah has (really) prohibited you from: Join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want;- We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not nigh to shameful deeds. Whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom.” (Surah Al–An’am, 6:151)

A Life of Divine Responsibility

Just as the life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) before Prophethood was marked by honor, trustworthiness, and moral excellence, his life after Prophethood reached even greater heights of divine glory and purpose. Upon receiving the mantle of Prophethood, he was entrusted with the monumental responsibility of reforming humanity, guiding them from darkness into light, and establishing the truth of Allah’s sovereignty.

Challenges in a Hostile Environment

The Prophet (ﷺ) was tasked with leading humanity out of the darkness of centuries–old paganism and idolatry. He faced a hostile environment where hearts hardened by sin and entrenched in falsehood resisted the absolute truth. He was aware of the sacrifices required for this mission—enduring personal hardships, opposition, and risking his life and property. Yet, with unwavering trust in Allah, who assured his protection, he accepted this challenge fearlessly.

The environment in which the Prophet (ﷺ) began his mission was steeped in paganism, ignorance, and deeply entrenched social injustices. For centuries, hearts had been hardened by sin and the worship of false deities, creating resistance to the divine message of Islam. This made the mission incredibly challenging, as the Prophet (ﷺ) had to contend with it.

Disbelief, Opposition and Oppression

The Quraysh leaders disbelieved Prophet’s (ﷺ) claim as the Messenger of Allah and ignored his call toward monotheism. Though, initiall they did not put any resistance to his preaching of Islam but later on, their disbelief and opposition escalated into oppression and persecution of the early Muslims. Converts to Islam faced brutal torture and societal rejection, as the Quraysh sought to crush the growing influence of the new faith. This eternal struggle between truth and falsehood remains a powerful reminder of the transformative strength of Tawheed and the resilience of those who uphold it. 

• Opposition to Absolute Truth

The eternal conflict between truth and falsehood created significant barriers. The Quraysh and other tribes, deeply invested in their traditions, fiercely resisted the call to Tawheed (monotheism).

• Social and Economic Sacrifices

The Prophet (ﷺ) was fully aware of the sacrifices required. The journey toward truth demanded immense courage, as it meant risking his life, property, and relationships.

Divine Assurance

Despite the challenges, the Prophet (ﷺ) embraced his mission with unwavering determination. His faith in Allah’s promise of protection gave him the strength to persevere. Allah (SWT) reassured His beloved Prophet of divine protection and support, as the Qur’an states:

“O Messenger, convey [everything] revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people.” (Surah Al–Maidah, 5:67)

Guided by this divine assurance, the Prophet (ﷺ) fearlessly carried out his responsibilities, calling people to the truth with patience, compassion, and steadfastness. His resilience and commitment set an example for his followers, demonstrating the power of faith in overcoming adversity.

This unwavering dedication to his mission, even in the face of relentless opposition, reflects the profound depth of his character and the divine light that illuminated his life after Prophethood. 

Strategies for Spreading the Religion of Allah (SWT)

Preaching Through the Qur’an

The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) primarily used the Qur’an as his guiding light in spreading Allah’s message. His method of preaching was:

• Clear, fluent, and logical.

• Neither too brief to be misunderstood nor too long to overwhelm the listener.

• Tailored to the audience’s comprehension and patience.

His approach to leading prayers was similarly considerate, reflecting his deep empathy for people’s needs. His actions and words never became a source of burden for others, as he carried immense care for their welfare.

Compassionate and Gentle Communication

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) preaching style mirrored the divine declaration that he was sent as “a mercy for creation” (21:107). His manner was marked by wisdom, kindness, and understanding, which resonated deeply with those who heard him.

The Qur’anic instructions as to preaching Deen of Allah (SWT):

• “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of the (rightly) guided.” (Surah An–Nahl, 16:125)

• “Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, “I am of those who bow in Islam”? Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and you was hatred become as it were your friend and intimate! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self–restraint, — none but persons of the greatest good fortune.” (Surah Muhammad, 41:33—35)

Core Attributes of the Strategy:

• Wisdom: Tailoring the message to each individual or group based on their understanding and receptiveness.

• Good Instruction: Conveying Allah’s message in a way that was appealing and compassionate.

• Constructive Debate: Responding to opposition with logic and patience, avoiding harshness or confrontation.

Key Objectives of the Religion Preached by All the Prophets

Acknowledging the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed):

• At the heart of the prophetic mission was to call humanity to the worship of the one true Creator, rejecting all forms of idolatry, polytheism, and false deities.

• This was consistent with the universal message of all prophets, from Adam (AS) to Muhammad (ﷺ).

Guiding Humanity Toward Righteousness:

• Prophets were sent to lead humanity out of the darkness of ignorance, sin, and misguidance instigated by Satan.

• They illuminated the path of righteousness by teaching the commands of Allah (SWT) and providing a practical example through their own lives.

Promoting Peace and Welfare:

• Islam aims to establish harmony, justice, and the well–being of all creation.

• By following the divine principles, individuals and societies can achieve spiritual contentment and social stability.

Restoration of Divine Guidance:

• Over time, people deviated from the teachings of earlier prophets. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), as the final Messenger, was sent to restore the purity of Allah’s religion and provide a complete, unaltered way of life for humanity.

• This final guidance was revealed in the Qur’an, a universal and eternal message for all people. 

Unified Message Across All the Prophets

The religion brought by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was not new; rather, it was the culmination of the same divine truth of oneness of Allah (SWT) delivered by all prophets and messengers before him. As the Qur’an states:

“We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false deities)’….” (Surah An–Nahl, 16:36)

Prophetic Responsibility of All the Prophets

The responsibility of every prophet was to:

• Call people back to the truth when they strayed due to ignorance or Satanic influence.

• Serve as a beacon of light, reminding their people of their duty and responsibility toward Allah (SWT) and His creation.

Opposition Faced by All the Prophets and Messengers

The opposition faced by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was consistent with the experiences of earlier Prophets and Messengers sent by Allah (SWT). They all encountered mockery, rejection, and persecution from their own people.

A large number of verses revealed to this respect. Some key Qur’anic Verses on this subject: A few of these are quoted below:

• “Thus, have We made for every prophet an enemy from among the criminals. Sufficient for you is your Lord as a guide and a helper.” (Surah Al–Furqan, 25:31)

• “Messengers were rejected before you, and they bore their rejection and injustice with patience and steadfastness until Our help came to them…” (Surah Al—An’am, 6:34) 

• “We did send apostles before thee amongst the religious sects of old: But never came an apostle to them but they mocked him. Even so do we let it creep into the hearts of the sinners – That they should not believe in the (Message); but the ways of the ancients have passed away.” (Surah Al–Hijr, 15:10–13]